Biography
The sultry Shane West -- a Gemini whose genuine handsomeness is doubly effective in combination with his mesmerizing raspy voice -- made his mark on the Hollywood scene within the realm of teen drama. Beginning with appearances on television shows like
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and
Picket Fences, West was soon cast as a more permanent staple in teenage tube-life, as well as on the big screen.
West was born on June 10, 1978, in Baton Rouge, LA, where he spent his life until he made the decision to pursue an acting career in 1995. Upon moving to L.A., West found much success on dramatic television, landing a starring role on ABC's
Once and Again (1999) as Eli Sammler after appearing in the Showtime original movie
The Westing Game (1997). A more contemporary rendition of the Cyrano de Bergerac story,
Whatever It Takes (2000) featured a book-smart West. He appeared in
Dracula in 2000, and made a cameo in the 2001 remake of
Ocean's Eleven.
Huge publicity surrounding the pop superstar status of Mandy Moore brought West much attention as her love interest in 2002's
A Walk to Remember. From the cool crowd, West's character, Landon Carter, learns of matters of a deeper significance during his interaction with Jamie Sullivan (Moore). West's adoring fan base increased in significance as well in his role as sexy and romantic Landon. ~ Sarah Sloboda, All Movie Guide